Beauty Shop
—Photos
—About this Film pdf
—Spiritual Connections
Queen Latifah shines in this spin-off of the Barbershop film series. In Beauty Shop, she reprises her brief role in Barbershop 2 as Gina, the sassy hair stylist next door to Ice Cube’s barbershop who hilariously duked it out with Cedric The Entertainer in front of a barbeque pit. In this new story, our heroine has since been relocated from the Windy City to Atlanta, Georgia, so her young daughter (Paige Hurd), can attend a performing arts school that will help to groom her incredible piano skills. In the meantime, she’s wowing her newfound clients with her styling and maintenance abilities… much to the chagrin of her pseudo-Eurotrash shop owner (Kevin Bacon). After one of their constant arguments, Gina quits his shop—and takes his shampoo girl Lynn (Alicia Silverstone) in tow—and purchases a shop of her own. This (not so) new shop comes complete with 70s décor, bad electrical circuitry and a staff (Alfre Woodard, Sherri Shepherd and Golden Brooks) that is just as sassy as she is. 
It takes a bit of time for the staff as well as Gina’s new clientele to get used to her particular brand of “flava,� but eventually they hit it off. A couple of Gina’s old clients (Andie MacDowell and Mena Suvari) find their way to Gina’s shop as well and, soon enough, Gina’s shop becomes the hottest thing to hit the ATL since Outkast’s last album. Of course the film is filled with the requisite subplots and supporting characters. Subplots include Lynn’s struggle with fitting into the culture of the shop (she’s White… and can do hair with the best of ‘em), and Mr. Eurotrash’s efforts to get the state licensing board to put Gina out of business. Supporting characters include a pesky little kid selling candy in front of Gina’s shop while popping off innuendos to women twice his age, an ex-con who becomes the hair-braiding guru of Gina’s shop and whom the girls can’t figure out if he’s heterosexual, metrosexual, or gay, and the piano playing electrician (Djimon Honsou) who eventually pursues, and ultimately wins, Gina’s heart.
2005 is shaping to be a banner year for African American cinema and performers in terms of box office success, award winners and quality films. I have no regrets with tossing Beauty Shop in the quality film category. More than just another Black film, it’s a simple yet fun film. One does not need to be well-versed in Black culture or hip hop lingo to enjoy the film. I saw the film with my wife and a group of our friends. We were the only Black folks in our group and we all laughed our heads off (my good friend Keith Anderson—who is the polar opposite of anything resembling hip hop—got a big kick out of seeing Alicia Silverstone’s salt shaking dance moves!). It’s not as sidesplitting funny and socially relevant as the Barbershop films, but it’s still a good time nevertheless.
In terms of spiritual inspiration, some may identify with Gina’s character as she takes a bold step of faith to make her dream a reality. Others can easily identify with Lynn’s struggle to have her gifts and talents affirmed and acknowledged by others within her community. Some of us may simply have fun watching the film without any deep analysis. That’s okay, too.
But for those of you who are fond of deep analysis, see my commentary titled INTERRACIAL DATING MOVIE WEEKEND detailing the profound experience and observations I made while watching this film. Check it out!—Overview
—Photos
—About this Film pdf
—Spiritual Connections
2 Comments:
Chris,
I haven't seen any of the movies you mention. Since my wife lost her sight four years ago we virutally not gone to any of them.
I'm writing because I saw the link to your blog on Hollywood Jesus http://www.hollywoodjesus.com. I was very moved by your depiction of the movies; but even more of your response to Dr. King's dream and its (partial) fulfillment in your own life.
I spent 24 years as a pastor prior to retirement; and I was impressed by the amount of racism and racial tension that still exists in much of Kentucky. Even in the Bluegrass State, though, I can see huge improvements in race relations. Here in Frankfort there seems to be a positive difference in the relationships between folk of different skin color or other ethnic background. In my own neighborhood we have folk of every conceivable color; and there are at least five different languages that domninate the conversations of those neighbors---not counting English! Folk just seem to welcome those who are different from themselves.
Perhaps it is because the seat of government for the Commonwealth of Kentucky is located here. Perhaps it is because the time has finally come for an understanding of those who aren't white anglosaxon Protestants to be accepted with the same love as those who are completely different.
Thank you for sharing.
Mike
the gourmet choice coffee
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